After enjoying Halloween Ends in theaters, horror fans can look forward to Prey for the Devil, a new take on demonic possession. 2022 has already been a memorable year for horror movies, with several slasher remakes, reboots, and originals being released in the first half of the year. There has been an interesting mix of new entries in favorite franchises and also some unique and creative original films.
From the latest entry in the Scream franchise to some new flicks that fans will want to check out, Redditors are sharing their favorite horror movies that they watched in the first few months of 2022. They have listed a fun mix of subgenres, from science-fiction to slasher to an interesting take on witchcraft.
Updated on October 13th, 2022 by Aya Tsintziras: 2022 has been one of the most compelling years for horror as fans have been treated to many different kinds of films. If fans want a found footage film, a new story about a ghost, a haunted apartment complex, or two slasher reboots, Redditors have recommended more than enough horror movies for a proper Halloween bingefest.
The Seed
Stream on Shudder
Shudder has great horror movies and it’s always a good place to check out inventive new releases. The Seed was released on Shudder in March 2022. One Redditor called it “a lot of fun.”
The movie is about two friends who go to the Mojave desert and find a creepy creature there. It has a lot to say about social media, which is compelling, as the two main characters are influencers, a smart idea that gives the movie a message. The Seed is perfect for horror fans who enjoy scary vacation stories.
No Exit
Stream on Hulu
HowardBeale76 mentioned several 2022 horror movies that they have liked, including “No Exit.” The film was released on Hulu in February 2022.
When Darby finds a young girl who has been kidnapped, she steps in to help, and the story becomes even stranger as Darby learns what’s really going on. No Exit has a shocking reveal near the end that will surprise even the most seasoned horror fan, and Darby is an independent, tough character whom audiences will enjoy following along with. The story builds to an intelligent, thought-provoking conclusion.
Hellbender
Stream on AMC+
When discussing horror movies that have been released in 2022, ORNG_MIRRR said, “I enjoyed Hellbender.”
There are many comedies and dramas about mothers and daughters, and when this family dynamic is used in a scary movie, it can be meaningful and memorable. The main character Izzy lives with her mom in the mountains and the two don’t see anyone else. They’re also musicians, which adds a unique element to the plot. Izzy starts wondering if her mom could be a witch, which is a great hook, as the audience also wants answers.
Fresh
Stream on Hulu
Fresh has great quotes and a compelling hook: when Noa meets Steve, she’s thrilled because she’s tired of the dating world. But it turns out that something is off about Steve and it’s scarier than she ever could have predicted.
Damien_88 called Fresh “pretty cool and very different from the horror norm.” Fans are really enjoying this unique story as it doesn’t feel like it’s been done before, and Noa and Steve’s relationship is entirely unexpected. The movie also really leans into its setting, with Noa grocery shopping, which sets up the tone for the whole story.
Nanny
Available to stream on Prime Video on December 15th
The best stories feature characters who harbor deep secrets. Radiant_Persimmon443 mentioned “Nanny” as one of the best horror movies they’ve seen in 2022 and the premise stands out from the crowd of 2022 releases.
The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2022 and tells the story of Aisha, who begins working for a rich family as a nanny on the Upper East Side of New York City. One of the most used horror tropes is a character looking into a secret or trying to do some research, and when Aisha learns that the family has secrets, it’s compelling watching her find out more.
Ultrasound
Rent on AppleTV
S_matthew recommended Ultrasound and wrote that it has “psychological horror elements” and is a “bizarre thriller.”
Ultrasound focuses on Glen and Cindy, who sleep together and then find that their worlds seem different. The movie is a horror/science-fiction blend and if horror fans are looking for something that feels unique, this is a good bet. It’s the kind of story that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with no clue what will happen next.
Scream (2022)
Stream on Paramount+
Scream (2022) has already become a favorite 2022 scary movie and it’s anything but a disappointment for fans of the franchise. Naturally, fans wondered how this franchise could continue, who would become Ghostface once again, and which new characters could capture fans’ attention.
MotherButterscotch44 said they appreciated how the story “brought back a lot of the cast from the original movie.” Scream (2022) has well-developed characters, funny jokes, and a fresh plot that still fits into the franchise.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
Stream on Netflix
Fans of the popular Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise were looking forward to the 2022 Netflix movie, which is a sequel to the first movie which was released in 1974.
Redditor said “it wasn’t perfect” but “that ending touched my soul.” This time around, Melody and some other young adult characters go to the small town of Harlow, Texas because they think that they can be successful there, only to meet Leatherface. The ending is definitely dark and powerful and not something that audiences will forget.
X
Stream on Fubo and DirecTV
Jcisneros405 asked “What will be THE horror movie of 2022?” and RedditorMayne replied, “Ti West’s X” and said, “A24 doesn’t skimp where it comes to quality.”
X has some gory deaths and is quickly becoming a favorite slasher from 2022. The movie follows actors making an adult film who find themselves in a frightening life-or-death scenario. Fans of Ti West will love the chance to watch another of the filmmaker’s gripping projects.
Something In The Dirt
Not available to stream yet
RadiantPersimmon449 mentioned “Something In The Dirt” as one of the best horror movies they’ve seen so far in 2022. The title is appealing and suggests mysteries and secrets and perhaps a new take on a haunted house tale.
The movie follows two friends, Levi and John, who live in an apartment building in Los Angeles and notice something supernatural is happening. The movie by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead also has a science fiction tone, which is fun.
Incantation
Stream on Netflix
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_wolf_gupta_ posted that “Incantation” is a favorite horror film from this year and Redditor added, “this movie was d*mn creepy.” The impressive found footage film features a voiceover from Li Ronan, who explains the curse that her daughter is living with.
Incantation feels like a different take on curses and has a creative conclusion that is a much more thought-provoking way to end the film than what the genre typically sees. The fact that it’s about a mother’s desire to help and save her daughter also gives the movie some emotion.
Watcher
Stream on AMC+
Slipcoven recommended “Watcher,” a great pick for Maika Monroe fans, who have enjoyed her work since It Follows. When Julia begins living in Bucharest with her husband Francis, the loneliness gets to her immediately since she isn’t working yet, and then she begins wondering if someone is stalking her.
Watcher relies on an unsettling vibe instead of jump scares, which can become frustrating quickly, and Julia is a fascinating character who is trying to work through what is real.
They Live In The Grey
Stream on AMC+ and Shudder
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Neptunia14 added “They Live in the Grey” to a thread about impressive movies from the past year. The premise is heavy, as Claire Yang is a social worker who is trying to help a child in an unsafe situation, and she comes across a paranormal figure.
While there are many supernatural films, this one adds emotion, which will appeal to horror fans who are looking for something weightier and more serious than the many horror movies that they’ve seen before.
Prey
Stream on Hulu
Redditor mentioned “Prey” in a list of the best scary movies they’ve watched in the past 12 months. The prequel is set in 1719 in the Northern Great Plains and creates an incredible environment for an exciting story that fans were waiting for.
Naru’s dream of fighting is easy to understand and sympathize with, and she does everything in her power to beat a threat to her tribe, a Predator. While any prequel would have likely entertained audiences, this one stands out because Naru is such a great character.
Orphan: First Kill
Stream on Paramount+
There was a lot of anticipation for the prequel to Orphan, and for mamaneedstarbucks, “Orphan: First Kill” was a stand-out. The movie charts how Leena Klammer pretends to be Esther and begins living with the Albright family.
Orphan: First Kill has a huge shock halfway through, which will please fans who liked the direction that the original went in, and it’s definitely fun visiting this wild, strange and scary world again.
